Galaxy A55 vs Galaxy A73 5G

The Samsung Galaxy A55 and the Samsung Galaxy A73 5G are Android smartphones from Samsung's mid-range A series, offering a blend of features for everyday use. The Galaxy A73 5G was released in April 2022, while the Galaxy A55 followed in March 2024, making the A55 the newer device. Both devices operate on the Android platform with Samsung's One UI, providing a consistent software experience. Key differences lie in their build materials, processing capabilities, and camera configurations, catering to varying user preferences.

The longevity of a smartphone is influenced by its physical resilience and ongoing software support. The Galaxy A55, being the newer model, benefits from a longer expected period of software updates compared to the A73 5G.

• Release Timeline and OS Support: The Galaxy A55, released in March 2024, launched with Android 14 and is promised four major OS upgrades and five years of security updates. The Galaxy A73 5G, released in April 2022, launched with Android 12 and also receives four major OS updates and five years of security patches, meaning its support will end sooner than the A55.
• Build and Protection: The Galaxy A55 features a metal frame and a glass back, along with Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ for screen protection, contributing to its durability. It also carries an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance. The Galaxy A73 5G has a plastic back and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5, with an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.
• Expected Practical Lifespan: Both devices are designed for a practical lifespan that extends beyond their initial purchase, supported by Samsung's commitment to software updates. The A55's newer release date provides an advantage in terms of receiving the latest Android versions for a longer duration.

Performance in daily use is a critical factor for smartphones, affecting everything from app responsiveness to gaming. Both the Galaxy A55 and A73 5G are equipped to handle common tasks, though with some distinctions in their underlying hardware.

• Processing Power: The Galaxy A55 features a current-generation processor that offers improved CPU and GPU performance compared to its predecessor, resulting in smooth operation for demanding applications and multitasking. The Galaxy A73 5G is powered by a capable processor that handles general use and many games effectively, providing a responsive experience.
• Memory and Storage: The Galaxy A55 is available with 8GB or 12GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of internal storage, expandable via microSD. The Galaxy A73 5G typically comes with 6GB or 8GB of RAM and 128GB or 256GB of storage, also expandable with a microSD card.
• Battery Behavior: Both phones are equipped with a 5000mAh battery. The Galaxy A55 generally offers strong battery life, with users reporting it can last a full day of heavy use and often more. The Galaxy A73 5G also provides good battery endurance, often lasting a full day with moderate to heavy usage. Both support 25W fast charging, though neither includes a charger in the box.

The display is a primary interface for smartphone interaction, and both devices offer vibrant viewing experiences with high refresh rates.

• Display Technology and Clarity: Both the Galaxy A55 and A73 5G feature Super AMOLED displays, known for deep blacks and vibrant colors. The A73 5G specifically uses a Super AMOLED Plus panel. Both offer Full HD+ resolutions (1080 x 2340 pixels for A55, 1080 x 2400 pixels for A73 5G), providing clear and detailed visuals.
• Brightness and Refresh Rate: The Galaxy A55's display can reach up to 1,000 nits of brightness in High Brightness Mode, ensuring good visibility outdoors. The Galaxy A73 5G offers up to 800 nits of brightness. Both phones feature a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, contributing to smooth scrolling and a responsive user experience.
• Screen Size and Viewing Experience: The Galaxy A55 has a 6.6-inch display, while the Galaxy A73 5G has a slightly larger 6.7-inch display. Both provide an immersive viewing experience suitable for media consumption and gaming.

The camera systems on both the Galaxy A55 and A73 5G are designed to capture a variety of moments, with differences in their main sensor capabilities and overall configurations.

• Rear Camera System: The Galaxy A55 features a triple rear camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor with optical image stabilization (OIS), a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 5-megapixel macro lens. The Galaxy A73 5G boasts a quad-camera system, including a 108-megapixel main sensor with OIS, a 12-megapixel ultrawide lens, a 5-megapixel macro lens, and a 5-megapixel depth sensor.
• Photography Performance: In good lighting, the Galaxy A55 delivers sharp and detailed photos with natural colors. Its low-light performance is considered decent for a mid-range phone, with Night Mode improving results. The Galaxy A73 5G's 108MP main sensor can capture detailed images, and its overall camera performance is generally well-regarded, though some users note that despite the high megapixel count, it delivers decent rather than exceptional results. Both phones offer 4K video recording at 30 frames per second.
• Front Camera and Audio: Both devices are equipped with a 32-megapixel front-facing camera, capable of producing clear selfies and supporting 4K video recording at 30fps on the A55. The Galaxy A55 features stereo speakers with good sound quality, including Dolby Atmos support. The A73 5G also has multiple speakers.